I am writing to let you know that the DT11 Local Area Forum Green Group has started planning a green week to be held from Sunday 4th to Saturday 10th July with a green fair taking place alongside Blandford Farmer’s Market on Friday 9th July. We are writing to you / your organisation in the hope that you join us in making the week a success and hopefully, an annual event.

The main aim of the week is to raise green awareness and to inspire action to help forge more resilient and environmentally sustainable communities in the future. The DT11 group believe that community based action needs to accelerate if progress is to be made in maintaining the quality of life and the ecological integrity of the planet. To that end, it is hoped that the week will provide a springboard for more permanent groups to form in each of the communities to help progress the green agenda, supporting parish councils in gaining community participation and in planning for a more sustainable future.

Emphasis throughout the week will be placed on involving communities in hands on activities, providing advice and having fun. We need as broad a spectrum of people and organisations involved as possible, reaching out to all those who are only marginally interested in green issues. Can your business or organisation help support the week and help promote greener lifestyles? The DT11 area covers 22 parishes and we are hoping at least one event or awareness raising activity can take place in each parish.
The DT11 Green Fair will take place in Blandford Corn Exchange on the morning of the 9th July, providing an opportunity for green organisations / utilities / local government etc to provide guidance and to demonstrate green technologies. Limited places are available, however.

Your organisation or business may use the week as an opportunity to demonstrate what action you are taking to support the community or reduce your environmental impact / carbon footprint; you may wish to promote green products and services you provide or celebrate the fact that your work is good for the community and good for the planet. Either way, a list of ideas and opportunities is attached which may help start the ball rolling...but these are just suggestions, so please feel free to invent your own.

Please get in touch with DT11 if you wish to discuss any ideas, need a site or if you are unsure how to proceed. If you wish to run an event or activity then please complete and return the enclosed form by Saturday 1st May at the latest. A member of the DT11 Green Group will get back to you to discuss your proposal and confirm arrangements. All those organising an event or activity will have details included in a programme for the week, which will provide opportunities to advertise your business / organisation. We also anticipate good media coverage.

DT11 Green Week and Fair – ideas and suggestions for events.

Walks, talks and events – some walks etc may already be taking place in the area and included in programmes covering the DT11 area and these could be included....please let us know.

Walks - could be based on a particular green theme or simply just take place to get people to stretch their legs, meet people and discover a little more about their surroundings. Walking for health, farm walks (where does the food in the farmer’s market come from and how is it produced), tree walks, rock walks, bat walks, night sky walks, community / family fun walks or cycle rides.

Events – events will work best if they are interactive and fun – so by way of an example, few people these days stop to read display panels with loads of information, on say, saving the planet! How about some arts based activities – pavement art, junk modelling, a musical recycled orchestra, drama, cob sculptures, cooking demos, games etc.

Improvers – not many practical conservation tasks can take place in mid summer (other than clearing footpaths) so some may be able to identify areas in their own communities that need sprucing up ... litter pick, lick of paint etc??

Businesses and shops – could participate by promoting greener products or services e.g. greener cars, the work of charity shops do re-using goods, Fair Trade/local produce, ethical investment etc. Displays in shops would be good and how about a green window competition? Other businesses may be able to sponsor events or activities or fund an improvement project. It may be a good week to announce to the world some measure you are taking to reduce the environmental impact of your business activities.

Schools and Colleges – could you make this week your green week also? The DT11 group can help with speakers and activities in your school but it would be excellent if each school could organise some form of community based event. Would any school or budding young artist be interested in designing a poster / promotional materials for the week?

Local Government – (parish, district and county councils) – an opportunity to promote a variety of greener services – waste, recycling, natural environment, transport, planning, environmental health etc.

Utilities – energy and water suppliers and transport, could promote their services and conservation measures through mobile display units and events which may be able to visit each community throughout the week

Government Agencies – such as the Environment Agency and Natural England. Again, this could provide an opportunity for each organisation to highlight their activities in the area.

Clubs, societies, scouts, guides – events or activities welcomed.

Conservation groups and organisations – events, activities, school visits, conservation tasks ... all no doubt familiar already!

Big Green Event Booking form Adobe Acrobat document [44kb]